[SJAAboard] Thoughts on requirements for scopes larger than 10"

[Gary Mitchell]

Mark Wagner wrote:

>>SUMMARY
>>
>>A rebuilt 28, the LightBridge, and the Zeider scope will provide a robust
>>program while reducing our storage risk. This would reduce our 2006
>>inventory of 8 mostly poor scopes to 3 excellent ones. That includes
>>finishing the rebuild of 28.
> 
> 
> I feel the Albert scope decision is primary, before the rest of the loaner program, as Albert is
> requesting a disposition.  As I stated when the topic first came up, I am not a fan of that scope
> for the loaner program.  This gets back to the "purpose' of the program, which to my tastes #28,
> the LightBridge (which I'm not a real fan of either) and the Zeider scope fit.  The Albert design
> is esoteric, not really representative of what is available commercially (it is "boutique" from a
> one-man specialty shop, essentially making its long term availability more questionable), and is
> costly by most standards. It "sticks out" in the program.
> 
> I am aware that there are a number of people in the area that are devotees of the design, and I
> have little critical to say of it, but I also think buyers and builders of that design are
> somewhat vested in their praise (and no, I am not damning it in any way).
> 
> I just don't feel it is a real "fit" for the SJAA program.  I would rather see a fixed up 13.1"
> Coulter, lightened, tweaked, inexpensively, if we wanted another larger Dob.  There were two
> examples on TAC of cheap 13" scopes, just yesterday.
> 
> Mark

It sounds like you believe the loaner scopes should be similar
to what someone could buy.  This gets back to the purpose of the
loaner program.

Are we running a "try before you buy" program?  If so, maybe we
should get a cut.  Personally, I don't care if a loaner scope is
something you'd see in the stores or not--the loaner program
shouldn't be some sort of marketing effort.  What does it matter
if it's a custom-built or homemade scope?  As long as it's good.

I believe the program's purpose should be to have good scopes
available for members to borrow that are easy to use.  If they
want to buy one, the knowledge they gain from borrowing a few
different scopes and going to a few of our star parties should
provide what they need to pick out whatever scope is right for
them.

And for the record, I'm not a devotee of this particular design.

As for the options currently before the board: we have the money
to do whatever we want.  If we decide the loaner program should
have a 13" scope (#28), then let's make it a good one.

Gary